This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.

Buy this Book on

Buy this Book on

Pub Date
1 Nov 2019

Talking about this book? Be sure to tag it using #WhatLiesAroundUs #NetGalley

Description

It is possible that since this book’s publication you will have heard that I have died in “suspicious circumstances”. Obviously I hope that will not be the case, but I believe it is worth taking the risk in order to get this story out there.

Why would one of Silicon Valley's most powerful billionaires offer a British ghostwriter a million dollars to write the autobiography of one of Hollywood's biggest stars?

Only once he is living and working among the world's richest and most beautiful people does the ghost realise that there is way more than a publishing deal at stake.

The ghostwriter must face the dark underbelly of the tech industry. He must face corruption and manipulation and come to blows with people who will do anything to remain at the top of their game, and uncover the dark truths about what it really means to be an 'influencer' . . .

What Lies Around Us takes the reader into a world of myth-makers and power-brokers and reveals who is really running the world. Who is telling the stories and controlling the way we all think with a mixture of old media, social media and fake media?

It is possible that since this book’s publication you will have heard that I have died in “suspicious circumstances”. Obviously I hope that will not be the case, but I believe it is worth taking the...

Description

It is possible that since this book’s publication you will have heard that I have died in “suspicious circumstances”. Obviously I hope that will not be the case, but I believe it is worth taking the risk in order to get this story out there.

Why would one of Silicon Valley's most powerful billionaires offer a British ghostwriter a million dollars to write the autobiography of one of Hollywood's biggest stars?

Only once he is living and working among the world's richest and most beautiful people does the ghost realise that there is way more than a publishing deal at stake.

The ghostwriter must face the dark underbelly of the tech industry. He must face corruption and manipulation and come to blows with people who will do anything to remain at the top of their game, and uncover the dark truths about what it really means to be an 'influencer' . . .

What Lies Around Us takes the reader into a world of myth-makers and power-brokers and reveals who is really running the world. Who is telling the stories and controlling the way we all think with a mixture of old media, social media and fake media?

Available Editions

Average rating from 28 members

Featured Reviews

Roni D, Reviewer

My Recommendation

When I started reading this book, I didn't take too much time to read the blurb because I was drawn to the cover. I'm happy I did that because this book was such a pleasant surprise.
This story follows Andrew, a British ghostwriter who's been hired to write a book for a famous American actress. He gets to know her family, friends and background and yeah, things go wrong eventually.
This book offers perspective about the ghostwriting life and a fair amount of criticism about the publishing world. I've got to know if this book was self-published or not.
I very literally have no idea on what continent I'm going to be next week (and not just because Russia isn't really in any continient). I might be in Taiwan, Korea or still in Russia, back home in Israel or in Finland. So I do feel like I understand that life is unexpected, that when things fall into place, it works. And yet, this book's plot hinges on the sense of wonder we all get from life. I loved that and it really resonated with me.
However, the best part about this book is that you have your main plot (which drew me in immediately) but you also have some solid themes and they were playing a huge role. There's a conversation about the future of democracy, honesty, the impact of race, the power of family, and fame. We see it all through the ideas of Andrew, who doesn't share all of his thoughts yet gives the impression of honesty.
The writing was so good. It made this book much more accessible than it could have been. I felt like the narrative style made it feel like I'm there with Andrew, getting to know Jo-Jo.
You can see that this is a new book and it definitely reflects nowadays well. The idea that politics, tech and celebrity are connected is represented fantastically here and without as much criticism as you'd expect.
I didn't realize the book on the Italian Gardener was an actual book, cause, you know, Jo-Jo doesn't exist and she's not the president so why would that book exist? So yeah, you can finish the entire book without realizing that.
All in all, I'm happy I read this book. It was surprising and thoughtful, I think many people could enjoy it.

My Recommendation

Was this review helpful?

Alexander J, Reviewer

My Recommendation

What Lies Around is by Andrew Crofts
Andrew, an English ghostwriter is approached by Silicon Valley Tech billionaire, Roger Rex, to write a book about a Hollywood superstar JoJo Win.
Offering him a million dollars, he immediately accepts the deal no questions asked.
Andrew flys to America and begins to interview and spend time with JoJo’s family members. As the relationships build and Andy becomes closer to the family, especially JoJo’s husband Chuck , a tragic event occurs.
Andrew is an immensely likeable character, he doesn’t get drawn in and clearly carries doubts all the way through the process.
A story rich in American politics mixed in with the celebrity and technology worlds, this book delves into the murky waters of publishing, social media and it’s influencers.
Who is really pulling the strings?
It’s absolutely captivating as it pulls apart the very world we are now so ensconced into.
Control, manipulation, corruption, it’s shows how the world can be twisted and moulded into the favour of someone if enough money and influence is aimed at it.
Fast paced, and thrilling, it’s gripping, superbly written and completely fascinating whilst shocking and very dark in parts
An up to the minute, sign of our times thriller. Not to be missed.
5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

My Recommendation

Was this review helpful?

Reviewer 552402

My Recommendation

Humorous, dark, intriguing, fast paced. All in all it's a great pick for summer reading. I really enjoy the different cover, I think it will drew in a lot of readers.

My Recommendation

Was this review helpful?

Susan G, Educator

My Recommendation

What lies around us is the ultimate summer thriller. There are moments that are so terrifying you almost don't believe it but you are aching to find out what happens next. This fast paced book follows a British ghostwriter that is writing an autobiography of one of Hollywood's biggest actresses. During his period of writing he uncovers secrets to terrible to imagine...

Additional Information

Available Editions

EDITION

Other Format

ISBN

9781910453704

PRICE

$21.95 (USD)

Featured Reviews

Roni D, Reviewer

My Recommendation

When I started reading this book, I didn't take too much time to read the blurb because I was drawn to the cover. I'm happy I did that because this book was such a pleasant surprise.
This story follows Andrew, a British ghostwriter who's been hired to write a book for a famous American actress. He gets to know her family, friends and background and yeah, things go wrong eventually.
This book offers perspective about the ghostwriting life and a fair amount of criticism about the publishing world. I've got to know if this book was self-published or not.
I very literally have no idea on what continent I'm going to be next week (and not just because Russia isn't really in any continient). I might be in Taiwan, Korea or still in Russia, back home in Israel or in Finland. So I do feel like I understand that life is unexpected, that when things fall into place, it works. And yet, this book's plot hinges on the sense of wonder we all get from life. I loved that and it really resonated with me.
However, the best part about this book is that you have your main plot (which drew me in immediately) but you also have some solid themes and they were playing a huge role. There's a conversation about the future of democracy, honesty, the impact of race, the power of family, and fame. We see it all through the ideas of Andrew, who doesn't share all of his thoughts yet gives the impression of honesty.
The writing was so good. It made this book much more accessible than it could have been. I felt like the narrative style made it feel like I'm there with Andrew, getting to know Jo-Jo.
You can see that this is a new book and it definitely reflects nowadays well. The idea that politics, tech and celebrity are connected is represented fantastically here and without as much criticism as you'd expect.
I didn't realize the book on the Italian Gardener was an actual book, cause, you know, Jo-Jo doesn't exist and she's not the president so why would that book exist? So yeah, you can finish the entire book without realizing that.
All in all, I'm happy I read this book. It was surprising and thoughtful, I think many people could enjoy it.

My Recommendation

Was this review helpful?

Alexander J, Reviewer

My Recommendation

What Lies Around is by Andrew Crofts
Andrew, an English ghostwriter is approached by Silicon Valley Tech billionaire, Roger Rex, to write a book about a Hollywood superstar JoJo Win.
Offering him a million dollars, he immediately accepts the deal no questions asked.
Andrew flys to America and begins to interview and spend time with JoJo’s family members. As the relationships build and Andy becomes closer to the family, especially JoJo’s husband Chuck , a tragic event occurs.
Andrew is an immensely likeable character, he doesn’t get drawn in and clearly carries doubts all the way through the process.
A story rich in American politics mixed in with the celebrity and technology worlds, this book delves into the murky waters of publishing, social media and it’s influencers.
Who is really pulling the strings?
It’s absolutely captivating as it pulls apart the very world we are now so ensconced into.
Control, manipulation, corruption, it’s shows how the world can be twisted and moulded into the favour of someone if enough money and influence is aimed at it.
Fast paced, and thrilling, it’s gripping, superbly written and completely fascinating whilst shocking and very dark in parts
An up to the minute, sign of our times thriller. Not to be missed.
5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

My Recommendation

Was this review helpful?

Reviewer 552402

My Recommendation

Humorous, dark, intriguing, fast paced. All in all it's a great pick for summer reading. I really enjoy the different cover, I think it will drew in a lot of readers.

My Recommendation

Was this review helpful?

Susan G, Educator

My Recommendation

What lies around us is the ultimate summer thriller. There are moments that are so terrifying you almost don't believe it but you are aching to find out what happens next. This fast paced book follows a British ghostwriter that is writing an autobiography of one of Hollywood's biggest actresses. During his period of writing he uncovers secrets to terrible to imagine...